A 21-year-old man from Andover has been sentenced to four years in prison after supplying cocaine to a 16-year-old who later died.
James Willett, of Dines Meadow, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs at Salisbury Crown Court. The offence occurred in March 2023, when he provided three grams of cocaine to Daniel, a teenager from Tidworth. Medical reports concluded that Daniel’s death resulted from cocaine toxicity.
Investigators discovered text messages on Daniel’s phone linking Willett to the supply, leading to his arrest. Alongside his prison term, Willett was ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge, and £215 was forfeited to charity. His phones and any remaining drugs were seized and destroyed.
Daniel’s family described the devastating impact of his loss, expressing relief that the court proceedings are complete and urging others to protect young people from those who exploit them.
Candida Jackson, a local crime investigator, stated the case “demonstrates the severe consequences of supplying drugs, particularly to young people,” while Detective Constable Martyn Powell emphasized the serious risk drug suppliers pose to life.
The sentencing is a reminder of the dangers of illegal drugs and the consequences for those who supply them.
